Vet buzz Blog
Welcome to the award winning Vet Buzz, DogTrekker.com’s pet health blog with the latest in veterinary medicine, valuable tips and seasonal guidelines to keep your dog safe and healthy at home and on the road. Whether it is caring for an elderly dog, holistic approaches to health care, toxic algae blooms or tick and rattlesnake warnings, our Vet Buzz contributors have you covered.
Preparing your dog for camping: vaccines and tick prevention
Before hitting the trail with your dog, make sure vaccinations for leptospirosis and Lyme disease are current and flea and tick prevention is in place. A vet shares essential camping prep tips for keeping your pup safe.
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Is your dog overweight? How to assess and act
Is your dog carrying extra weight? Veterinarians use a 1-to-9 body condition scale to assess your pet's health. Dr. Angela Gaeto of Helen Woodward Animal Center shares tips on exercise and diet to help your pup slim down.
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French Bulldog’s reign as top dog stirs debate
The French Bulldog has dethroned the Labrador Retriever as America's most popular breed after 31 years. But the Frenchie's rise has sparked debate over breeding practices and the health problems common in flat-faced dogs, from breathing issues to spinal conditions.
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Should your dog sleep in your bed?
Many dog owners love sharing their bed with their pup, and the bonding can be real. But there are trade-offs to consider, from disrupted sleep and allergies to the simple joy of nighttime cuddles.
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Tips for a safe beach visit with your dog
Before heading to the shore with your pup, check beach policies, watch for hot sand, and keep an eye on ocean currents. These practical tips will help you and your dog have a safe, fun beach day.
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Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa: pet-friendly adventures
Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa County deliver two trips in one: snow-dusted scenery and quiet roads give way to roaring waterfalls and fresh green foothills. Either season is perfect for exploring with your dog by your side.
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Foxtails and California dogs: what to know before summer
Foxtails peak from May through October across California — and their one-way barb makes them a veterinary emergency when embedded. Here's where to check your dog, what symptoms to watch for, and when to call the vet.
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Why does my dog snore? Causes and vet advice
Dog snoring can be normal or a sign of something worth checking out. A veterinarian explains the most common causes, from breed-related anatomy and excess weight to allergies and sleeping position, and when to seek medical advice.
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The great collar conundrum: choosing the right dog collar
Choosing the right collar for your dog matters more than you might think. From standard flat collars and limited-slip martingales for escape-prone pups to head halters and harnesses, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each style.
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Keep your dog healthy: vaccinations, flea meds, and heartworm
Keeping your dog healthy in California means staying current on vaccinations, flea prevention, and heartworm protection. Rabies shots are required by law, and your vet can recommend additional vaccines and parasite control based on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors.
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Can the outdoors help your dog live longer?
New research from the Dog Aging Project suggests that regular outdoor activity may help dogs live longer, healthier lives. Scientists are finding that exercise, mental stimulation, and environmental variety all play a meaningful role in how dogs age.
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Pica in dogs: why they eat non-food items
Pica, the habit of eating non-food items, is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs. Learn the warning signs like vomiting and lethargy, what causes this behavior, and why getting prompt veterinary attention is essential to your dog's safety.
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Tick season in California: removing ticks from your pet
As California warms up, ticks become a real hazard on trails and in tall grass. Learn how to safely remove a tick from your dog using tweezers, and why prompt removal matters for preventing serious diseases.
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Kids and dogs: tips for safe California outings
When a child gets scared of your dog on a hike or at the beach, stay calm and take control. Use leash commands, communicate with parents, respect boundaries and reward your dog for good behavior around kids.
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The health benefits of having dogs in your life
Owning a dog brings real health benefits, from lower blood pressure and better weight management to reduced stress and stronger social connections. Dog owners are four times more likely to meet weekly exercise goals.
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Keeping your dog safe during a California heat wave
California’s outdoor lifestyle doesn’t have to stop when temperatures spike — it just needs a seasonal adjustment. With a little planning and awareness, you and your dog can still enjoy summer safely, from coastal escapes to mountain retreats.
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Rattlesnake season for California dogs: vaccine, training, and response
Bites peak April through October, an estimated 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten nationwide each year, and most of the field “first aid” you read on the internet makes the bite worse. The honest, source-checked guide for California dog owners…
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Dogs are smarter than your average human
Dogs can solve puzzles, read human facial expressions and learn over a thousand words. This lighthearted look at canine intelligence makes a strong case that our four-legged friends might just be smarter than some of us.
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How to protect your dog from heatstroke in California
Heatstroke can be deadly for dogs, especially in California's warm climate. Learn to recognize early warning signs like heavy panting and lethargy, and take preventive steps to keep your pup cool and safe on hot days.
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Five things to know before a California dog trip
Planning a California trip with your dog involves more than finding pet-friendly hotels. Beach rules, dramatic climate swings, wildlife hazards, transit policies, and accommodation fees all vary by region and require advance research to keep your trip smooth and your…
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Illness shuts down Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara
Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara closed indefinitely after multiple dogs fell severely ill and one died following visits. City officials are testing for toxins while pet owners share stories of sudden vomiting, seizures and emergency vet trips.
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Yes, your dog can catch the flu too
Canine influenza is highly contagious and spreading in California. A veterinarian explains how the flu passes between dogs, what symptoms to watch for, how long to isolate a sick pup and whether your dog should get vaccinated based on lifestyle.
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The advantages of a plant-based diet for your dog
Could a plant-based diet help your dog? One 14-year-old Chow-Lab mix saw dramatic improvements in mobility and kidney function after switching to whole grains, vegetables and tofu. A holistic veterinarian explains why some dogs thrive without meat.
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Ticks and Lyme disease in California dogs
California reports roughly 1/200th the Lyme cases of New York — and our tick season peaks in fall and winter, not summer. Here's what California-specific CDC data, vet research, and CDPH surveillance actually show, and what it means for protecting…
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